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BMO Bank of Montreal becomes major sponsor of the Montreal Juniors HockeyClub

BMO scholarships and Juniors players to encourage high school students to
remain in school

MONTREAL, Sept. 17 /CNW/ - BMO Bank of Montreal is proud to join with the Montreal Juniors Hockey Club (Montreal Juniors) as a major sponsor and, in so doing, to support junior hockey in Quebec and promote student retention.

"The Montreal Juniors thrilled its fans last year, its first season in the QuebecMajor Junior Hockey League, and we're convinced they will do so again this year," said François Hudon, Senior Vice-President, Quebec Division, BMO Bank of Montreal. "This is a golden opportunity to associate the BMO brand with a sport that Quebecers enjoy and with a strong-performing team that's involved in the community."

L. Jacques Ménard, President, BMO Financial Group, Quebec, said he was especially pleased and proud to support the Montreal Juniors' school outreach program, which targets 100 high schools. Among other components, the program features talks by Juniors players in some 30 high schools, with a view of promoting student perseverance and graduation.

"Young people identify easily with other young people, especially with accomplished athletes, whom they see as a source of motivation and inspiration. That's why I'm confident that, during the School Days that we'll hold, the Junior players will connect with students and encourage them to stay in school and excel in their studies," said Mr. Ménard, who is also Chair of the Action Group on Student Retention and Success.

"I am extremely pleased that a major Montreal and North American institution like BMO Bank of Montreal, which has been in business since 1817, is supporting our hockey and community involvement goals," said Montreal Juniors President Martin Routhier. "Together, we can help develop junior hockey in the greater Montreal area and ensure that young people succeed in school."

BMO Bank of Montreal will also be offering BMO scholarships as part of the Montreal Juniors' Stay in School/Excel in School program. BMO will award 11 scholarships - one for $1,000 and ten for $300, in the form of registered education savings plans - to Quebec youth who best explain why it's important to Stay in School/Excel in School in essays submitted to the address boursesbmo@bmo.com.

BMO Bank of Montreal will also be a partner for 26 community games aimed at supporting minor hockey clubs in their respective regions, mainly by having BMO branches distribute free tickets to Juniors games.

BMO's association with the Montreal Juniors is in keeping with its more than ten years' involvement with the Canadian Hockey League.

In 2008, BMO contributed more than $55 million in donations and sponsorships in support of hundreds of organizations across the country. BMO Bank of Montreal has 135 branches in Quebec, including more than 100 in the greater Montreal area.

SOURCE BMO BANK OF MONTREAL

For further information: For further information: Ronald Monet, (514) 877-1873